[Heisei Retro] Hit Japanese songs that defined the 1990s. Recommended J-POP classics.
When you think of the Japanese music scene of the ’90s, what kind of sounds come to mind? It was an era when million-selling hits kept emerging and CD sales marked a golden age for the music industry.
Hit songs poured from TV and radio into the streets, and everyone was humming the same tunes.
From guitar rock to dance music, from the Shibuya-kei movement to the Being-kei style, a wide variety of genres coexisted, each shining with its own unique brilliance in the ’90s.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of hit songs that colored that rich musical scene.
For those who lived through the era, they’ll feel nostalgic; for first-time listeners, they’ll sound fresh.
Please take your time and enjoy.
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[Heisei Retro] Hit Japanese songs that defined the ’90s: Recommended J-POP masterpieces (91–100)
Man & WomanMy Little Lover
Released in May 1995, this was My Little Lover’s debut single, and despite being newcomers, it became a hit with total sales of about 917,000 copies.
Its light, stylish sound reminiscent of French pop blends beautifully with Akko’s translucent vocals.
The song seems to depict the subtle emotional shifts between men and women—the missed connections, and yet the irresistible pull toward one another.
Later included on the classic album “evergreen,” which went on to sell over two million copies, this track captured many hearts.
It’s a song that gently accompanies that slightly sentimental feeling where hope and anxiety mingle just before love begins.
Time goes byEvery Little Thing
It’s their eighth release, put out just one month after the previous single.
It’s their first ballad as a single, and it also showed that Mochida’s clear, sultry voice suits ballads extremely well.
[Heisei Retro] Hit Japanese songs that defined the 1990s. Recommended J-POP classics (101–110)
frecklesJUDY AND MARY
Released in 1996.
This song is the only million-selling single in the career of JUDY AND MARY, also known as JudyMari.
“Memories are always beautiful, but that alone won’t fill me up”—the opening line of the chorus is the kind of richly distinctive expression you could almost call quintessential YUKI.
Bye For NowT-BOLAN
A signature song by T-BOLAN that weaves together the sorrow of parting with hope for the future.
Released in November 1992, it was used as the theme song for the Kansai TV/Fuji TV drama “Woman Dream.” Arashi Moritomo’s emotionally rich vocals and the heartfelt lyrics resonated with many listeners, earning the band their first million-selling hit.
While holding onto the bittersweet pain of farewell, the song also sings of expectations for new encounters and the realization of dreams, offering courage to the listener.
It’s perfect for those who want to overcome the pain of a broken heart or have experienced parting with someone important.
It will give you the strength to face forward and take your next step.
Endless dreamsZYYG, REV, ZARD&WANDS
At the time, it was played during the ending of Giants games.
It became a hot topic because a Being-affiliated artist, known as a hitmaker, and Shigeo Nagashima were going to record together.
It’s a song that makes you eagerly anticipate hearing Shigeo Nagashima’s singing voice.
At all times.Makihara Noriyuki
Let’s cherish the honest feeling of “I like what I like!” This message is embedded in one of Noriyuki Makihara’s signature songs.
Celebrating the importance of staying true to yourself, the track was released in June 1991 and became a huge hit, selling 1.67 million copies.
It was also featured as the theme song for the film “No Problems on the Employment Front” and in a Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial, making it beloved across generations.
It’s a powerful song that gives you a push—perfect not only for new graduates and job seekers, but also for those standing at a crossroads or feeling uncertain.
Listen to this song and keep moving forward, true to yourself.
Romantic Flightkome kome CLUB
The second place in the 1990 annual singles ranking was this famous song by Kome Kome Club.
In terms of sales it moved around 600,000 copies, but it shines brilliantly in J-pop as a song that heralded the arrival of their era.
The track was hugely popular at the time and is still a karaoke favorite today.